Last Updated on August 14, 2024
When my nephew Matt decided to take a trip with some of his old college roommates, the decision was made to visit Mexico’s Yucatan – specifically to tour Mayan ruins and explore the area’s fascinating cenotes.
Budget was an important factor, and being the adventurers that they are, the group of four stayed a few nights at the Yucatan Mayan Retreat, Ecohotel & Camping. Coincidentally, few years ago my wife and I opted for a day visit to Chichen Itza, one of the most famous archeological sites in Mexico, located in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. We happened to stop by the rustic Mayan retreat ten minutes from Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization, flourishing between the 9th and 12th centuries. The magnificent site covers an area of approximately four-square miles and is renowned for its impressive architecture, astronomical significance and cultural importance.
About the Retreat
This eco-friendly lodging option surrounded by a rainforest offers a unique experience with various accommodation types including Mayan-style palapa houses, suites and camping. Houses and suites have their own bathrooms.
Camping guests will find outdoor showers and bathhouses, a common kitchen area, hammocks and shade trees and there is a small restaurant and bar/lounge on-site. Though not a luxury offering, my nephew said, “It was perfect for a group of guys who love roughing it, the campsite was neat and clean and it had everything we needed.”
He added, “We enjoyed a few nights of being away from the big hotels and tour groups, were within a five-minute walk to the village and a beautiful cenote to swim in.”
The main street of the village has a small store with all the basics and even serves pollo asada with rice and beans for an incredibly reasonable price.
The guys opted to stay in the tents and said the provided inflatable mattresses and linens made it very comfortable. They did get to see both the houses and suites as well, and described them as rustic, but clean and comfortable with kitchenettes.
Though the group had a rental car, they explained that for those who didn’t, the owner, Jorge, is willing to pick guests up from the bus station for free and even drive them to local sites for the same rate as a local taxi.
Parking and Wi-Fi are complimentary, but the Wi-Fi wasn’t always reliable.
Highlights of Chichen Itza
This is the most impressive of the Mayan ruins in the world. El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán) pyramid is the iconic structure at Chichen Itza. It stands about 30-meters (98-feet) tall and is dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulcán.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of a serpent appears to slither down the side of the pyramid, an event believed to be a manifestation of the god descending to earth.
The Great Ball Court is the largest and most impressive of its kind in Mesoamerica and used for the Mesoamerican ballgame, a ritualistic event with significant cultural and religious importance. The walls are adorned with carvings depicting the game’s ceremonial aspects.
The Temple of the Warriors is a large complex surrounded by rows of carved columns representing warriors. The temple features a central staircase and a platform with statues of Chac Mool, a reclining figure often associated with offerings.
The circular El Caracol (The Observatory) was used by the Maya as an astronomical observatory. The structure’s design allowed for precise observations of the stars and planets, particularly Venus, which was of great importance in Maya cosmology.
Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote) represents a natural sinkhole used for religious purposes, including offerings to the gods and human sacrifices. Archaeological findings in the cenote include gold, jade, pottery and human remains.
Chichen Itza’s architecture reflects the Maya’s advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy and engineering. The site is aligned with celestial bodies, and many structures have specific astronomical purposes.
In 1988, Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and cultural importance. Today, it is one of Mexico’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing millions of travelers each year.
In 2007, Chichen Itza was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, further cementing its status as a global cultural treasure. And what an undeniable treasure it is.
Cenotes of the Yucatan
It is estimated that the Yucatan Peninsula is home to 6,000 to 7,000 cenotes or even more, as many are located on private land.
These natural sinkholes are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock revealing groundwater underneath. The word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word s’onot, which means “well.”
Cenotes are created over thousands or millions of years as rainwater, slightly acidic from dissolved carbon dioxide, seeps through cracks in the limestone. This gradual process dissolves the limestone, forming underground caverns and tunnels. When the roof of a cavern collapses, a cenote is formed, exposing the groundwater below.
Considered sacred by the ancient Maya, cenotes were believed to be gateways to the underworld known as Xibalba and were used for religious ceremonies, including offerings and sacrifices, as well as a crucial source of fresh water.
Cenote Yodzonot
Located near Chichen Itza in the small traditional Mayan village of Yodzonot, this cenote is known as an open cenote as it is not fully enclosed by a cave and has an open sky above it. The water typically has a vibrant blue-green hue. The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation, giving it a serene and natural atmosphere.
There is so much to explore in the Yucatan Peninsula but plan on at least spending two days to visit the incredible Chichen Itza, Cenote Yodzonot and enjoy some traditional Mayan cuisine such as cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), panuchos (stuffed tortillas) and sopa de lima (lime soup).
Tips for Visiting this Region
- If you’re an outdoorsy, nature-lover and plan to stay at Yucatan Mayan Retreat Ecohotel & Camping, bring insect spray as you are surrounded by a rainforest.
- A typical visit to Chichen Itza takes about three hours to see the major structures. If you plan to explore in more detail, take photographs or book a guided tour, you should allocate closer to four hours.
- Early morning is the best time to visit Chichen Itza when the site opens (typically at 8 am). The weather is cooler, crowds are smaller, allowing for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. Always pack a hat and sunscreen.
- Visiting the ruins on a weekday is generally preferable to avoid larger weekend crowds.
- November to April is considered the dry season with the most comfortable weather, cooler temperatures and less humidity but it’s also the peak season. September to October is considered the rainy season but this time of year also sees fewer crowds.
- If you plan to visit Cenote Yodzonot, early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. I recommend packing a swimsuit or swim trunks, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, water shoes and snorkeling equipment if you have it.
- Above all, enjoy your stay at Yucatan Mayan Retreat Ecohotel & Camping and the magnificent sites you’ll find in this region.
